Three cliques of people, each unknown to the other, are making plans at their respective headquarters and their eyes are all turned to a common point. Jack Darrow, operative of a private detective agency, and his aides are planning a crusade against a band of clairvoyant fakirs. The Jeffersons are to give a ball masque, introducing their daughter, Hope, to their social set. It is rumored that she will wear the Pompador diamond necklace recently purchased by her father. In another part of the city Prof. M. Byrd, an alleged clairvoyant, is planning to attend the ball and steal the jewel. Through Crawley, his confederate, Byrd procures an invitation for himself and Lady Mildred, a dupe of his, offers her services in stealing the necklace. Byrd plans to attend the ball disguised as Mephisto. At the proper time Mildred is to bring out the necklace and pass it to a confederate. However, on the evening of the ball there is a second guest disguised as Mephisto, no other than Darrow, the detective. The lights in the ballroom go out. There is a few moments' confusion and when the hall is again illuminated, the diamond necklace is gone. It is soon recovered, however. Darrow is waiting for Byrd in the conservatory and when he arrives he is overpowered and placed under arrest. Mildred's liberation comes swift and completely when she turns back the lapel of her jacket and shows her badge. She is not only Darrow' s assistant but his sweetheart as well.